UNM’s BBER organizes 16th annual New Mexico Data Users Conference

The 16th annual New Mexico Data Users Conference is set for Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:45 a.m. at the Central New Mexico Community College Workforce Training Center located at 5600 Eagle Rock Ave., NE. The annual event is presented by UNM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER).

The conference is New Mexico’s premier forum for both beginning and professional data users in the state and surrounding areas. Over the years, the Data Users Conference has become a valued learning experience for businesses, government agencies, service organizations, information providers and students.

This year’s featured plenary speakers include Pauline Nunez from the Census Denver Regional Office, and Andy Hait with the Economic Census, both of whom are excellent resources on Census data and products. Nunez will discuss new products from the Census Bureau and the new features of its American FactFinder Website. Hait will present New Mexico’s 2012 Economic Census data scheduled for release in November.

Additionally, BBER’s new director Jeff Mitchell, and Jack Baker (GPS) are the featured luncheon speakers. Mitchell, who took over as director this past summer, will present a review of New Mexico's recent economic performance and a short-term economic outlook.

Baker will present how GPS is working to help the Census Bureau manage spatial data resources, and how this should lead to improved demographic estimates and a successful 2020 Census.

This year's conference also features three unique breakout paths focusing on business, healthcare and U.S. Census data. Various researchers, labor force experts, health data professionals, UNM and state agency personnel and Census representatives will present topics that range from basic Census skills to occupation projections, accessing health data, and using resource Geographic Information Systems (GIS)mapping.

The day-long event will also provide information about complex socioeconomic databases, and how the data are applied in practical situations.

Additionally, the conference will be held at a new location this year. BBER worked with the Albuquerque Small Business Development Center and decided on the CNM Workforce Training Center. The venue will allow BBER to host breakout sessions in a hands-on computer lab.

The CNM Workforce Training Center is located off of I-25. Take the Alameda exit and head west to San Mateo Blvd., turning north to Eagle Rock Avenue. For directions, visit: CNM Workforce Training Center.

Registration is $55 per person and includes all conference materials, continental breakfast, beverage breaks, and a luncheon buffet. For more information and a registration form, visit: Data Users Conference or call (505) 277-3038.